Dow and GoodBed team up to establish an innovative program for mattress testing
Jan 15, 2025 | Kevin Meyer | 5 minute read
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Redefining comfort through collaboration and advanced mattress technology insights
This joint research sets a new industry standard, offering measurable insights that drive actionable results for bedding manufacturers, retailers, suppliers and consumers.
Mattress technology advancements for ultimate comfort
Over the last 30 years, mattresses have undergone significant advancements in materials and technology. Evolving from traditional innerspring systems and cotton padding, polyurethane memory foam mattresses were introduced in the early 1990s and have since revolutionized the bedding industry with enhanced comfort and support.
Continuous innovation of polyurethane foams has led to the creation of advanced materials such as viscoelastic, latex-like and high-resiliency foams, which have improved mattress quality, durability, breathability and thermal regulation. However, despite this progress, systematic, independent studies linking mattress composition to temperature control in a variety of mattresses of different constructions remain limited across the industry, underscoring the need to better understand how different materials influence comfort.
The concept of comfort has remained largely subjective – easy to experience, but difficult to describe, which leaves bedding manufacturers and retailers with limited tools to communicate the benefits of their products or properly gauge consumer satisfaction. In partnership with GoodBed, the premier mattress information resource for consumers, Dow is playing an important role in developing the industry’s most comprehensive product testing program, which will better inform mattress design and production, as well as improve the overall comfort experience.
THE CHALLENGE
Tackling the complexity of mattress testing to enhance comfort
Choosing the right mattress has often felt like a shot in the dark for consumers. Without objective information from independent experts to guide their decisions, shoppers have relied only on subjective experiences and marketing claims to purchase a mattress, which increases the risk of investing in a product that fails to meet their unique needs, preferences and priorities.
Bedding manufacturers have the same feeling when it comes to creating their mattress offerings. Because there is a lack of objective, standardized testing to validate their product claims, they have struggled to differentiate their products effectively from competitors, making it difficult for their innovative offerings to truly stand out as they should.
And raw material suppliers face a similar dilemma in developing unique and effective materials that make a tangible difference in mattress comfort. Without objective, standardized testing, innovation is stifled or not properly rewarded in an industry that directly impacts the quality of life for millions of sleepers worldwide.
THE SOLUTION
Combining unique testing capabilities with an innovative mattress evaluation framework to deliver impactful results
The collaboration between Dow and GoodBed combines Dow's robust lab testing capabilities through our ComfortScience™ Studio with GoodBed's proprietary Mattress DNA™ evaluation framework. The result is a comprehensive testing program that promises to bring much-needed objectivity to an industry that relies primarily on experiences.
One of the key focus areas of this research is microclimate performance where we’re uncovering crucial insights into comfort by examining how different mattress characteristics impact temperature, humidity and airflow. This research goes beyond surface-level assessments, delving into the behavior of mattresses in both wet and dry conditions to provide a holistic understanding of mattress performance in these areas.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For consumers, it means more informed decision-making and better sleep. Manufacturers can use these insights to develop truly differentiated products backed by independent testing. And for suppliers, these insights open new avenues for innovation, allowing them to create materials that address specific, measurable attributes related to comfort.
As our research unfolds, we expect to see a transformation in the mattress industry. From more targeted product development to better-substantiated marketing messages, the ripple effects of these scientific tests will be felt across the entire mattress industry value chain. This collaborative approach underscores a commitment to elevating industry standards through testing and evaluation.
The mattress industry is on a path to a comfort revolution driven by science and innovation. As we move forward, the insights from this groundbreaking collaboration will undoubtedly help shape the future of sleep technology, promising better nights and brighter days for sleepers everywhere. Visit comfortscience.com and goodbed.com to learn more.
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About the author
Kevin Meyer is currently serving as the Associate TS&D Director at Dow, Inc. In this role, he leads a team dedicated to supporting a wide range of flexible and rigid foam applications across multiple market sectors. Additionally, Kevin is the Commercial Marketing Manager for the Furniture & Bedding market segment in North America, where he spearheads long-term strategic initiatives and drives new business development opportunities. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA with a focus on Finance and Corporate Strategy.